Doggy Boots/Shoes?

[corbinam]

I know you've gotten some good information but I wanted to chime in. This past winter my husband and I went to Quebec for the Winter Carnival. I was really worried about the dogs being cold, so I searched for boots and coats to bring with us.

I ended up buying the Pawz boots because I read that it's not really the cold that affects the dogs' feet, it's the salt/chemicals. I figured they wouldn't need them, but after about 1 minute of walking on the sidewalks (tons of snow and salt--we were downtown) the dogs were BOTH limping. I put the Pawz boots on and they were fine!

Yes, they came off a couple times, but the dogs really didn't mess with them. I think they eventually figured out that they made their feet not hurt so much. I know they tolerated them much better than they would have a bulky boot.

And yes, they are less durable but they are cheaper and comes in packs of 6 (I think). So the idea is that they are disposable.

 

[BarbV]

I know you've gotten some good information but I wanted to chime in. This past winter my husband and I went to Quebec for the Winter Carnival. I was really worried about the dogs being cold, so I searched for boots and coats to bring with us.

I ended up buying the Pawz boots because I read that it's not really the cold that affects the dogs' feet, it's the salt/chemicals. I figured they wouldn't need them, but after about 1 minute of walking on the sidewalks (tons of snow and salt--we were downtown) the dogs were BOTH limping. I put the Pawz boots on and they were fine!

Yes, they came off a couple times, but the dogs really didn't mess with them. I think they eventually figured out that they made their feet not hurt so much. I know they tolerated them much better than they would have a bulky boot.

And yes, they are less durable but they are cheaper and comes in packs of 6 (I think). So the idea is that they are disposable.

They come in packs of 12. You can make them last longer by putting baby or dog socks on first. This will stop the nails from poking holes in them. Plus easier to put on as well.

I just wish they didn't come in such funky colours! I attended a this summer and I begged the rep to have them introduce in neutral shades. Still waiting. They really do look silly, but they work!

 

[jsnell]

I'm not really interested in boots/shoes as a fashion accessory but I do have some questions about their more practical uses. I've already decided to get my sheltie boots for the winter because I heard that the road salts can damage their paws.

However, the other day stepped out onto my porch with my bare feet for a few seconds and it was COLD! It got me thinking about Riley's paws because its been pretty wet and rainy lately, so he's had cold and wet feet.

What temperature are shelties, in general, able to tolerate? Is colder weather a concern in terms of his paws getting too cold?

Right now, the temperature is just above freezing and my sheltie doesn't seem to have any problems but I was wondering if I should buy some shoes for fall or will he be fine?

I was told anything below 0 they should not be out more than 15 mins. tops. Your dog should tell you if it's too cold for him/her by lifting feet or wanting to come in right away. I bought Fashion Pet Shearling Boots off amazon. I love them, they never come off unless it's super deep snow. Mine walks funny in them at first, but once he gets going he is fine. I use them when the roads are wet too, it keeps his belly from getting filthy. Hope this helps.

 

[ElleKayCee]

I was told anything below 0 they should not be out more than 15 mins. tops. Your dog should tell you if it's too cold for him/her by lifting feet or wanting to come in right away. I bought Fashion Pet Shearling Boots off amazon. I love them, they never come off unless it's super deep snow. Mine walks funny in them at first, but once he gets going he is fine. I use them when the roads are wet too, it keeps his belly from getting filthy. Hope this helps.

I took a look at the boots you mentioned on amazon and I was just wondering how they help keep your sheltie's belly clean? Do they have a heel? My sheltie also gets his belly dirty during walks so a way to prevent this would be helpful.

 

[BarbV]

I took a look at the boots you mentioned on amazon and I was just wondering how they help keep your sheltie's belly clean? Do they have a heel? My sheltie also gets his belly dirty during walks so a way to prevent this would be helpful.

No boots will every keep a belly clean! I'm not sure what you meant hear????

If you are worried about keeping the belly clean then you need a coat or sweater. That's not full proof either, because most coats/sweaters leave the sanitary areas open....for uuuhhh , obvious reasons.....so they will still collect dirt depending on where you walk them.

I'm forunate that I don't have to walk my dogs on pavement. And I also don't worry about booties and coats as well. I walk my dogs on mostly fresh snow no salt and when they get cold, we turn around and go home.

But if you do have to deal with slush and salt....I would not worry about coats. Most shelties don't need them, but the super ugly Pawz are still the best for salt.

 

[ElleKayCee]

No boots will every keep a belly clean! I'm not sure what you meant hear????

jsnell mentioned that the boots they bought also kept their sheltie's belly clean, so I figured if there was a way to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak, then why not? But I took a look at the boots and wasn't sure how that would work so I just wanted some clarification. Maybe I misinterpreted the post xd

My main concern is protecting Riley's feet from salt, so Pawz boots do seem like the most probable option.

 

[jsnell]

He walks differently when he's wearing them and it help prevent from kicking up as much crud onto his belly. I have not used them in a long time now, I just wash him off if his paws or belly get dirty.

 

[SKNerissa]

Did you decide on some boots? After trying about 14 different boots I finally settled on the Summit Trek boots by Ruffwear for my Riley. We live in Kelowna, BC so we don't get huge amounts of snow but I too was worried salt and chemical de-icers - especially since he is in service and has to go though the stuff to get into stores and other places.

As for the choice of boots, our vet explained that dog paws are more like our hands than our feet and advised against the use of boots that are modeled after our shoes. The Summit Treks seemed to allow that full range of natural movement while providing a bit of grip on indoor flooring so that I don't have to fiddle with taking them on and off when running errands. I use them without socks since it isn't that cold here but you can get socks if needed. The boots are available to purchase in sets of 4 or you can get singles in case your dog's back feet need a smaller size (as is common) or you loose one.


Our only "problem" with the Summit Trek was that they slipped off and the Velcro strap on Riley's front paws was right below the carpal pads and I was worried it would rub and irritate him. I called Ruffwear and was advised to use vet tape to cushion the pads and to tighten the boots up after the first few steps (the rep explained that blood vessels are deeper and more protected in dog paws than human feet and so there is less risk of cutting off circulation). I followed the reps advice and Riley has started to walk normally after just three outing with the boots and the boots are staying on now!

So I hope you have found something for your dog but, if not, I hope this helps